Luxury Tour

Luxury Tibet Lhasa Tour

Duration
6 Days
Group Size
2 - 8 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and lies on the Lhasa River in a valley. It is the second most populated city in Tibet and at 3,490m is one of the highest cities in the world.

Tour code: GE021

City of the Potala Palace

Itinerary In Outline

  • Day 01 : Arrive in Lhasa (3,680m) and transfer to hotel
  • Day 02: Tour Lhasa Suburb, visit Drepung Monastery and Sere Monastery
  • Day 03: Tour Lhasa City, visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street
  • Day 04 : Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (4,040m) and Shigatse (3,840m) 6 hrs Pass/visit on route: Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chöde Monastery with Gyantse Kumbum
  • Day 05 : Drive Shigatse to Lhasa 5 hrs, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery
  • Day 06 : Depart Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and lies on the Lhasa River in a valley. It is the second most populated city in Tibet and at 3,490m is one of the highest cities in the world. Traditional home to the Dalai Lama, Lhasa has significance to the Buddhist world. It is home to the Potala Palace (once home of the Dalai Lama), and Jokhang Temple, among other sights of cultural interest.

This tour will take you on a cultural and heritage tour of Lhasa then head straight to the coiling scorpion-lake of Yamdrotso before heading to the glacier-draped Karola Pass to Gyantse with its must-see Pelkor Chöde Monastery with Gyantse Kumbum. Then on to Shigatse, with its impressive Tashilump Monastery, one of the six big monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet.

Tour Map

Tour Overview

Tour Duration
6 Days
Group Size
2 - 8 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Start / End
Lhasa

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LHASA (3,680M)

Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya Mountains. On arrival, our local Tibetan tour guide and driver will greet you at Lhasa Airport with a traditional Tibetan white scarf to wish you good luck. Transfer to the hotel. Today is an essential acclimation day. You are free to explore the city yourself but we suggest you go very slowly and do not overtax yourself in the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat lightly, and, if possible do not take a shower today as it is believed not showering on the first day at altitude is the best way to avoid any altitude related problems.

Overnight: suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel

DAY 2: LHASA SUBURB

After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, with space to house more than 10,000 monks, and former residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, continue the tour with a visit to the Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple, Jamchen Choeje. Here we can witness Buddhist scripture debating held in the courtyard between 15:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Saturday.

Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

DAY 3: LHASA CITY

After breakfast, visit the famous Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. First built by the 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, and rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama, it is now a museum and world heritage site. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple in the centre of old Lhasa city. Jokhang Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Tibet and it is always bustling with local pilgrims. After that your tour continues with a visit around Barkhor Street, one of the most devotional circuits of Lhasa, as well as being a crowded central market. Located in old Lhasa city, Barkhor Street is a circular street surrounding Jokhang Temple.

Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel

DAY 4: LHASA – GYANTSE (4,040M ) - SHIGATSE (3,840M) 360KM APPROX 6HRS

Using a Toyota Parado vehicle for your comfort, we will pass Gampala Pass (4,794m) on the way to Shigatse and visit Yamdrok Lake. At 638km², Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by many snow-capped mountains, it is fed by numerous small streams. Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier while heading towards the main monastery in Gyants: the – Pelkor Chode Monastery. The monastery is a short walk from the heart of the town.

Overnight: Qomo Langzong Hotel in Shigatse

DAY 5: SHIGATSE – LHASA 300KM APPROX 5 HRS

In the morning, we will visit the home of the Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. It is a historic and culturally important monastery, whose name means "all fortune and happiness gathered here". Drive back to Lhasa.

Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel

DAY 6: DEPART FROM LHASA

Today your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Add on Experiences in Tibet

  • Thangka Paintings

    The art of Tangka painting dates back more than 10 centuries and you can see examples of this unique form of painting everywhere, depicting images of Buddhist culture and civilization. If you are an art lover or just want to know more about the art of Thangka painting, we suggest you add this to your list of things to do while in Tibet.

  • Learn how to make Tibetan food

    There is nothing more interesting than knowing how to prepare delicacies from a different culture. Here is an opportunity to learn how to make momo (Tibetan dumplings), yak butter tea, Tsampa and other traditional foods.

  • Tibetan Delicacies

    If you are more interested in eating food than making it, you can add some culinary experiences to your trip.

    Cultural Meal in Lhasa - Enjoy a traditional Tibetan themed dinner.

Services Includes

  • Round trip ticket from Kathmandu to Lhasa
  • Entry permit and other necessary permits for Tibet
  • All entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Travel agency liability insurance, government tax, and express delivery fee of permit
  • Knowledgeable and experienced English speaking guide
  • We can provide French, German, Japanese, Hindi and Mandarin speaking guides, if necessary. Please ask when booking.
  • All rooms are suites in the St. Regis Hotel or Shangri-La Hotel in Lhasa and the Qomo Langzong Hotel in Shigatse
  • All meals, snacks, fresh fruit and mineral water provided
  • We use the latest Toyota Parado Land Cruiser for transportation throughout
  • One oxygen tank in each vehicle for emergency use

Services Excluded

  • Cost of additional days due to unexpected natural disasters such as landslides, avalanche etc
  • Personal expenses,personal travel insurance, and anything not listed above.

Terms & Conditions

  • The Company is not liable for any refunds after the departure date of the scheduled itinerary.
  • Cancellation should be made not less than 48 hours before departure. There is a minimum 40% cancellation charge PLUS any tax, transportation and permit fees. See specific information below.
  • No refund will be given if the programme ends before the stated itinerary date.
  • The Company is not to be held responsible for the early termination of a trek should our experienced leader feel it is unsafe for you to continue due to fitness and/or health issues.
  • The Company is not liable for cancellation or rescheduling due to natural, political or bureaucratic circumstances.
  • The Company is not responsible for delays caused by local weather conditions resulting in local or international flights being missed. We suggest you leave adequate time between the end of your trek and your international flight.
  • The Company is not responsible for the financial implications of rescue, should it be necessary. Please ensure you have the appropriate insurance to cover these situations before you arrive in Nepal.
  • Our staff are very experienced in leading treks at all altitudes. It is their responsibility to ensure your safety. Therefore, their decision regarding safety is final. The Company is not responsible in any way, for any outcome, should you refuse to follow their advice.

Complimentary Services

The following services are provided complimentary to our clients:
  • Complimentary tourist registration in the respective consulate office or embassy.
  • Complimentary international flight ticket re-confirmation.
  • Complimentary Gurkha Encounters T-Shirt (subject to availability).
  • Complimentary welcome dinner in one of the finest Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu, including a culture show presented by different ethnic groups.
  • Complimentary use of freshly laundered sleeping bags and down jackets.

Mode of Payment

To confirm your trip we request an advance payment of 40% of the quoted amount. This can be done by credit card when filling up our GE Booking Form.

If you pay by cheque/ bank draft please make it payable to:
Gurkha Encounters Pvt. Ltd.
GPO Box: 20195,
Third Floor, Bhattachan Complex,
Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 4417959
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.gurkhaencounters.com

Note: Payment through Master/Visa card has an additional bank service charge of 4%. Payment through American Express has an additional bank service charge of 5.5%.

Cancellation Charge Incurred

If you cancel your trip for any reason the following scale of cancellation fees will apply:
  • 60 days before departure - Loss of deposit 40% of total trip cost
  • 29 days to 59 days before departure - 50% of total trip cost
  • 10 to 28 days before departure - 70% of total trip cost
  • Less than 10 days before departure - 100% of total trip cost

Things to Bring

Miscellaneous Items

  • Photo equipment with plenty of films and spare batteries
  • Reading/writing materials
  • Safety pins, sewing kits, zip lock bags for small items
  • You may wish to bring postcards of your hometown and/or photos of home and family to share with locals you meet along the route.
  • Please do not give money or sweets to children.

Toiletry Items

Please bring with you a towel, pre-moistened novelettes, wash cloth, lip balm, and any additional personal items. Please ensure you bring enough personal medicines and extras incase of flight delays.

Contact Us

We are always happy to provide more information and suggestions. If you are in Kathmandu, please visit our office:

Gurkha Encounters Pvt. Ltd. GPO Box: 20195,
Third Floor, Bhattachan Complex,
Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Phone: +977 1 4417959
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For general information please visit our website www.gurkhaencounters.com

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What Our Client Says

Very nice staff, porters and Guide, who gave explanations about everything and got out their way to help, they were also very knowledgeable of the terrain and the history of places we visited.

Onatibin, Tantanatia

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